Helsinki, Capital city in southern Finland.
Helsinki is the capital of Finland on the southern coast, built across several islands and peninsulas along the Gulf of Finland. The city connects through bridges and ferries, and its architecture ranges from neoclassical buildings in the center to modern neighborhoods farther out.
The city was founded in 1550 by King Gustav I of Sweden and grew slowly as a trading port. After Finland gained independence from Russia in 1917, it became the capital and continued to develop.
People spend much of their time in public saunas, some of which sit right on the waterfront and allow for a quick dip into the cold sea. At the market halls and harbor square, locals gather to buy fresh fish and meet over coffee.
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport lies about 18 kilometers (11 miles) north of downtown and can be reached by train or bus. In winter, expect temperatures below freezing and short days, while summer brings longer daylight hours.
In summer, you can experience up to 19 hours of daylight here, while winter brings only a few hours of sun. Beneath the city runs a network of underground tunnels and spaces that once served as shelters and are now partly used for events.
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